Who we are and what we do

To relieve financial hardship among those seeking asylum and those granted refugee status particularly by the provision of support, advice and translation services.

To advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to refugees and those seeking asylum.

What’s the issue?

According to the British Red Cross, there are more than 15 million refugees world-wide, mainly from war zones including Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia and Sudan. In 2015 the UK received nearly 39,000 asylum applications of which less than half were granted. Nearly 120,000 refugees live in the UK – that’s 0.18 per cent of the total population.

What’s Milton Keynes Doing About It?

Milton Keynes was quick to offer all–party political support to refugees and for our work to help them. Labour, Conservative and LibDem party leaders are patrons of RWMK. Thirteen families have settled in with our help and we expect more to arrive as part of the government’s commitment to welcome 20,000 Syrian refugees into the UK by 2020. Funding for this comes direct from central government and not from the local rates.

Who’s a Refugee, Who’s an Asylum Seeker?

What’s the difference between the terms refugee, asylum seeker and migrant?

Refugees are in the UK legally and with the right to work, having satisfied the UK authorities they would be at risk if returned to their home country. Asylum seekers have sought protection as refugeesbut their claims have not yet been assessed.

Migrant is a description covering anyone moving from one country to another to seek a better life. They may or may not have a legal work permit.

We work with refugeesand asylum seekers.

Encouraging Integration

We believe integration is crucial for our refugee families as they become part of their local communities. We work hard to ensure they don’t feel isolated. Our volunteers often act as befrienders or buddies. We award small grants to aid employability and foster relations with neighbours and friends. For example we provide families with financial help to join a work training scheme, get driving lessons, rent a laptop, access swimming lessons for children, provide travel to a museum or place of interest, learn cooking or other life skills…

How We Work With Others: Red Cross, Council, Talks Team

We work with MK Council and the local branch of the British Red Cross (BRC).

The Council provides the funds from monies allocated for the purpose by central government and identifies accommodation from the local private housing sector. The Council also provides school places where the capacity is available.

The BRC provide the day–to–day support for the families including language learning, interpreting and transport needs. BRC have also taken over the responsibility of setting up the homes for new families, and we continue to look for organisations (faith groups, businesses, clubs or others) who are willing to fundraise to cover the cost (£3500) of furnishing ‘Just One House’ and, if possible, also to introduce volunteers who are willing to train to support the families as buddies.

We also buy equipment and materials, provide modest grants, encourage integration and do public relations work to highlight the needs of refugees and asylum seekers. This includes a Talks Team happy to be invited into your school or organisation. If you would like to find out more, please see our Schools/Education page for more details including how to get in touch with the Talks Team.

How You Can Help Us

Offer meaningful work placements with positive outputs

Be a “work mentor” to one family

Interpret or teach ESL for the Red Cross, teach Maths or English via Building Bridges

Be a “buddy” family and help with all aspects of integration

Organise social events that support integration

Offer positive links to sports/hobby groups who want to help

We want to raise awareness of the issues affecting refugees and migrants. [We therefore need people who can write, speak or communicate.]

At this point, we’re not looking for new ideas. We’re looking for leaders and doers – people who can step up and make a difference. We need active trustees, capable administrators, and people passionate about making a difference.